State Department: US "Strives for Increased Cooperation" with Qatar on Counterterrorism

The State Department has issued its annual terrorism report. As with most government reports of this nature, there is much to be read between the lines (and much, much more that will never be read at all), though perhaps it is noteworthy in this instance that the State Department kicks things off by suggesting frustration with Qatar's cooperation on certain terrorism issues, specifically the all-important "information sharing." That notwithstanding, the account (pasted below) cites some positive developments, and is blessedly short on bad happenings.

Qatar

While Qatar and the United States cooperated on some counterterrorism issues, the United States continued to strive for increased cooperation – and particularly information sharing – with the Qatari government. There has not been a terrorist attack in Qatar since the March 19, 2005 suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack at an amateur theater playhouse that killed a British citizen. Cooperation with U.S. law enforcement authorities continued to improve during and after the investigation of this case. Press reports indicated that up to 19 people of various nationalities, including one Qatari, were apprehended during the ensuing investigation. There were no reports of criminal prosecution in the case; however, many of the third country nationals who were apprehended were deported subsequent to the investigation.

The Qatar Authority for Charitable Activities was responsible for overseeing all domestic and international charitable activities, including approving international fund transfers by charities and monitoring overseas charitable, development, and humanitarian projects. The Authority reports annually to Qatari government ministries on their oversight and humanitarian activities.

Cooperation with U.S. authorities on counterterrorist finance continued to develop. Qatar’s Financial Information Unit (FIU) resides in the Qatar Central Bank. Local banks worked with the Central Bank and the FIU on counterterrorist finance and anti-money laundering issues.

Qatar was one of two countries in the Gulf with an attorney general independent of the Ministry of Interior or Ministry of Justice and equivalent to a ministerial level position. The Attorney General independently controlled and oversaw public prosecutions and appointed attorneys within the Public Prosecutors Office.

The United States provided law enforcement and counterterrorism training under various programs. Exchanges and training have had helped sustain a good relationship with Qatari law enforcement agencies and improved their counterterrorism capabilities.

QLinks

Turns out that Japanese tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz by "an Omani suicide bomber in an explosives-laden motorboat" after making stops in Qatar and the UAE's Das Island.

Qatar oil and gas revenues up a "staggering 63 percent"

Doha "Fast-a-thon" will donate QR200 to Pakistani flood victims for every non-Muslim who fasts on the first day of Ramadan.

A Qatar charity is hosting iftar programs in 33 countries "to maintain a link with Muslims around the world."

Those Candy Brothers make the Big Fella "go mental."

It's Doha Bank's third year in China.

Qatar helping people get used to the idea of air-conditioned soccer fields.

Qatari government planning "surprise raids" to ensure Ramadan meats are fresh.

Qatar Diar has a "stronger negotiating position" in still-unsettled Cyprus deal.

"Catara"

If you haven't already, check out the World Digital Library site for some incredible old maps of the Arabian Peninsula. There you will find, among other things, inaccurate renderings of a place called "Catara" generally somewhere near the Gulf waters. The snippet above is from a map created in 1578.

QLinks

Huffington Post looks at Qatar's World Cup bid.

Archeologists putting a spotlight on Qatar.

As are American universities.

Qatar pioneers HIV research in Middle East/North Africa.

Qatar opens petrochemical facility in Lebanon.

Dispute over land value jeopardizes Cyprus-Qatar partnership project.

Jet fuel made with natural gas nets Qatar Airways an environmental accolade.

Presumably no natural gas in the airline's award-winning wines though.

Qatar Charity setting up vocational school in Yemen.

RasGas donates to program aimed at preserving Qatari traditions and heritage.

QLinks

The Big Fella talks with President Obama about "bilateral relations between the two countries and the latest developments in the region."

Nakilat's net profit down 7% in second quarter.

Industries Qatar stock climbs.

Qatar "very, very optimistic" about World Cup bid.

Footage of the Emir in southern Lebanon.

QLinks

The Big Fella in Algiers.

Qatar Airways connecting to the Windy City.

Qatar Red Crescent sends aid to Pakistan.

Qatar doesn't plan on banning Blackberry, but will consider it if telecom providers or national security departments suggest it.

Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor does not like the idea of the US bombing one of Qatar's neighbors.

Arabic children's books selling like hotcakes at Harrods.

JEM not interested in the Darfur peace talks starting on Monday in Doha.

QLinks

The Big Fella walks on flower petals while greeted by thousands in south Lebanon.

Iranian press reports that he praised Hezbollah while he was there.

And he may yet meet with Nasrallah.

A Candy Brother "apologised unreservedly" to Qatari leadership for suing them over Chelsea Barracks.

Yemen looks forward to more Qatari assistance with the Houthi rebels.

Over 400,000 Facebook users in Qatar.

Qatar LNG processing capacity continues to grow.

Qatari banks report $824 M (3B QR) profits in second quarter despite "doubtful loans."

Qatari hotel occupancy in the first half of 2010 slightly higher than first half of 2009, and there will be 42 new hotels opened in Qatar by the end of this year.

Asian soccer chief on board with Qatar's World Cup bid.

Qatar Airways has an appetite for more airplanes.

Qatari Koran reciters fare well.

Rihanna concert in Doha this month.